DECEMBER 3, 1968 · NBC
'68 COMEBACK
SPECIAL
After seven years away from live performing, Elvis proved he was still the King.
NBC
NETWORK
#1
RATED SHOW
42%
AUDIENCE SHARE
64
VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE
THE SHOW
THE SEGMENTS
Six distinct segments, each showcasing a different side of Elvis. Click any to watch — they auto-play in order.
THE STORY
By 1968, Elvis Presley was at a crossroads. After years of making formulaic Hollywood movies, his cultural relevance had waned. The British Invasion, Motown, and the counterculture movement had transformed popular music, and Elvis seemed like a relic of a bygone era. His records weren't charting, and he hadn't performed live since 1961.
NBC approached Elvis about doing a Christmas television special. Colonel Tom Parker envisioned a simple holiday show — Elvis singing Christmas carols in a tuxedo. But producer/director Steve Binder had a radically different vision. He wanted to showcase the raw, electrifying performer that Elvis truly was. A battle of wills ensued, and fortunately for music history, Binder won.
The special was taped in June 1968 at NBC Studios in Burbank, California. Multiple segments were filmed over several days, combining intimate sit-down performances, elaborate production numbers, and a powerful closing sequence. Elvis was nervous — he hadn't performed before a live audience in seven years — but once the cameras rolled, the magic was undeniable.
When the special aired on December 3, 1968, it was the highest-rated program of the week, capturing a 42% audience share. Critics were unanimous in their praise. Elvis was back — and he was better than ever.
THE BLACK LEATHER SUIT
Perhaps no single piece of clothing in rock and roll history is as iconic as the black leather suit Elvis wore during the sit-down segments. Designed by Bill Belew — who would go on to create Elvis's legendary jumpsuits — the two-piece outfit was made of black napa leather and featured a Napoleonic-collared jacket.
Tight-fitting and gleaming under the studio lights, it transformed Elvis into a figure of raw, dangerous energy. When Elvis stepped onto that small stage in that leather suit, guitar in hand, the King of Rock and Roll was reborn.
THE PRODUCTION
KEY PEOPLE
STEVE BINDER
Producer / Director
The visionary who fought Colonel Parker to create an artistic showcase rather than a simple Christmas special.
BONES HOWE
Musical Director
Arranged and produced the musical segments, ensuring the sound matched the visual ambition.
BILL BELEW
Costume Designer
Created the iconic black leather suit that became synonymous with Elvis's comeback.
EARL BROWN
Songwriter
Wrote 'If I Can Dream,' the powerful closing anthem inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.
SCOTTY MOORE
Guitar
Elvis's original guitarist from the Sun Records days, reunited for the intimate sit-down sessions.
D.J. FONTANA
Drums
Elvis's original drummer, completing the reunion of the classic trio for the informal segments.
MOST WATCHED
HIGHLIGHT PERFORMANCES
The most-viewed performances from the '68 Comeback Special. Click to watch — they auto-play in order.
"IF I CAN DREAM OF A BETTER LAND, WHERE ALL MY BROTHERS WALK HAND IN HAND, TELL ME WHY, OH WHY, OH WHY CAN'T MY DREAM COME TRUE."
— "IF I CAN DREAM," THE CLOSING NUMBER